There’s something magical about combining two comfort-food legends into one irresistible creation. These Glazed Apple Fritter Waffle Donuts are exactly that: crispy-edged waffles, tender apple-studded centers, and a glossy vanilla glaze that drips into every nook and cranny. They’re sweet, warm, spiced with cinnamon, and taste like fall mornings wrapped in a cozy blanket.

If you love classic apple fritters and fluffy waffles, this recipe gives you the best of both worlds. Instead of deep-frying, we use a waffle iron to create donut-shaped, golden beauties that are lighter but still indulgent. Perfect for brunch, dessert, holidays, or a special weekend breakfast, these waffle donuts are guaranteed to impress.

This recipe is designed for home cooks who want bakery-style results without complicated steps. You’ll get bold apple flavor, soft interiors, crisp waffle ridges, and a simple glaze that hardens just enough to give that iconic donut finish.

Let’s dive into what makes these Glazed Apple Fritter Waffle Donuts so special—and how to make them perfectly every time.

Why You’ll Love These Waffle Donuts

• They taste like classic apple fritters without deep frying
• Crisp outside, fluffy inside
• Loaded with real apple chunks
• Warm cinnamon spice flavor
• Finished with a shiny vanilla glaze
• Perfect for brunch, dessert, or holiday mornings

Ingredients

For the Apple Fritter Waffle Donuts

2 cups all-purpose flour
2 tsp baking powder
½ tsp baking soda
½ tsp salt
1½ tsp ground cinnamon
¼ tsp nutmeg
⅛ tsp ground cloves (optional)
½ cup unsalted butter, melted
¾ cup brown sugar, packed
2 large eggs
1 tsp vanilla extract
¾ cup milk or apple cider
1½ cups finely diced apples (Honeycrisp or Granny Smith)

For the Vanilla Glaze

1½ cups powdered sugar
1–2 tbsp milk or cream
½ tsp vanilla extract

Instructions

Preheat your waffle iron and lightly grease it with nonstick spray or butter.
In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves.
In another bowl, whisk melted butter and brown sugar until smooth.
Add eggs and vanilla extract, mixing until fully combined.
Stir in milk or apple cider.
Gradually fold dry ingredients into wet ingredients until just combined. Do not overmix.
Gently fold in diced apples.
Spoon batter into the waffle iron (donut molds if available).
Cook until golden brown and crisp—about 3–4 minutes per batch.
Transfer cooked waffle donuts to a wire rack.
In a small bowl, whisk powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until smooth.
Dip warm waffle donuts into glaze and let excess drip off.
Place on rack and allow glaze to set before serving.

Tips for Perfect Apple Fritter Waffle Donuts

• Use firm apples like Honeycrisp or Granny Smith
• Dice apples small so they cook evenly
• Don’t overmix the batter
• Glaze while donuts are warm for best coating
• Let glaze set for 10 minutes before stacking

Variations

Caramel Apple Waffle Donuts
Drizzle with caramel sauce after glazing.

Maple Glaze Version
Replace vanilla glaze with powdered sugar + maple syrup + milk.

Nutty Apple Fritter Donuts
Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the batter.

Cinnamon Sugar Finish
Skip glaze and roll in cinnamon sugar.

Serving Suggestions

• With coffee or apple cider
• On a brunch board
• With vanilla ice cream
• As a holiday breakfast treat

Fun Food Fact

The apple fritter is one of the oldest known fried desserts, dating back to medieval Europe. This waffle-donut version gives it a modern, lighter twist!

Storage

• Store at room temp for 1 day
• Refrigerate up to 3 days
• Reheat in toaster oven

These Glazed Apple Fritter Waffle Donuts are the kind of recipe that becomes a family favorite fast. They’re cozy, indulgent, and fun to make—perfect for slow mornings, brunch gatherings, or whenever you crave something sweet and nostalgic.